Frequently Asked Questions

Almost all young children become disfluent about the time they start speaking in phrases or sentences but the type of disfluencies they vary:

Typical non-fluencies of young children:  Hesitations, interjections of words, revisions of phrases or sentences, repetitions of phrases, or word repetitions without tension.

Stuttering: Word repetitions with tension, part word repetitions, prolongation of sounds, or complete stoppage of air (blocks). You may see tremors of the lips, chin or jaw. Some children stop speaking altogether.

See also: Stuttering and Your Child: Help for Parents (Stuttering Foundation of America)

A number of important studies have found the following factors to be helpful in determining which children may be at higher risk of stuttering.
(Yairi, E. & Ambrose, N. 1992, Ambrose, N. & Yairi, E. 1999 and Yairi, E. & Ambrose, N. 1999).

First, and most importantly, do not correct your child’s speech. While comments like, “Slow down and think before you talk” seem helpful, they are not. It is far more beneficial to model a slow, relaxed manner of speaking with pauses between the sections of longer sentences. 

                “Taylor (pause) would you like a hamburger (pause) or pizza?” 

Pausing before you answer a question is another good practice.   Children can be more fluent when they allow themselves time to formulate a response before answering a question. When parents and teachers model this practice, children learn they do not have to rush when answering questions.

Rather than bombarding your child with questions, allow him or her time to tell you what they want to say. Rather than being an interrogator, become an active listener. Make encouraging comments to encourage your child to keep talking: Really, No kidding? Wow, that’s interesting.

You are not alone. Millions of people have stuttered and gone on to have successful careers and social lives. While stuttering is certainly irritating, it’s not the end of the world. You might enjoy watching one famous person talk about his experience with stuttering

Also see Straight Talk for Teens at Stutteringhelp.org

The Stuttering Foundation of America stutteringhelp.org has accurate, reliable information about stuttering and stuttering research.
Free and inexpensive brochures, books and videos for parents, teachers, teens and physicians are available.

American Speech Language Hearing Association
asha.org

National Stuttering Association
westutter.org

Friends: National Association for Young People Who Stutter
friendswhostutter.org

Houston Adult Support Group – NSA Houston Chapter
nsahoustonchapter@gmail.com